Working in Canada as the Spouse of a Worker or Student
Working in Canada as the spouse of a worker or student can be a great way to gain Canadian work experience and contribute to your family's income. If you're accompanying your spouse to Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
Eligibility for an open work permit
To be eligible for an open work permit as the spouse of a worker or student, your spouse must be a temporary foreign worker or international student in Canada. The type of work permit or study permit your spouse holds will determine your eligibility for an open work permit. You can check the work permits page for more information on the different types of work permits available in Canada.
Applying for an open work permit
If you're eligible for an open work permit, you can apply for one at the same time as your spouse applies for their work or study permit. You'll need to provide proof of your relationship with your spouse, as well as other required documents. You can apply online or on paper, and the processing time varies. It's a good idea to check the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca) for the most up-to-date information on application processing times.
Job search as an accompanying family member
Once you have an open work permit, you can start looking for a job in Canada. You can search for jobs in Canada on job boards, company websites, and through recruitment agencies. You can also use Job Bank to search for jobs and get an idea of the labor market in different regions of Canada. Some tips for finding a job in Canada include:
- Networking with people in your industry
- Tailoring your resume and cover letter to the Canadian job market
- Practicing your interview skills
- Being open to different types of jobs and industries
Finding a job in your field
If you have a specific skill set or work experience, you may be able to find a job in your field. You can search for jobs for foreign workers and filter by occupation or industry. You can also use the NOC 2021 classification system to find jobs that match your skills and experience. Additionally, you can check the LMIA jobs page to see if there are any job openings that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Immigration options
Working in Canada on an open work permit can also be a stepping stone to permanent residency. If you gain enough Canadian work experience, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry or provincial nominee programs. You can use the CRS calculator to get an idea of your eligibility for Express Entry.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I apply for an open work permit if my spouse is not working or studying in Canada? A: No, you must be accompanying a spouse who is a temporary foreign worker or international student in Canada to be eligible for an open work permit. Q: Do I need to have a job offer to apply for an open work permit? A: No, you don't need a job offer to apply for an open work permit. However, you'll need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada. Q: Can I use my open work permit to work for any employer in Canada? A: Yes, an open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those who are ineligible to hire foreign workers.
Please note that legitimate employers never charge applicants for a job, and selling a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment is illegal. A job offer does not guarantee a work permit or permanent residency. IRCC.com is an independent website and does not provide immigration advice or job placement services. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca).